ERA Real Estate

Is Foreclosure the Only Option?

era — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:55:16 +0000

Is Foreclosure the Only Option?

The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program is a program that provides additional options to avoid costly foreclosures and offers incentives to borrowers, servicers and investors who utilize a short sale or deed-in-lieu (DIL) to avoid foreclosures.

HAFA simplifies and streamlines the short sale and DIL process by providing a standard process flow, minimum performance timeframes and standard documentation.

You can find FAQ’s about HAFA here.

New Short Sale Guidelines for 2010

era — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:23:07 +0000

New Short Sale Guidelines for 2010

Recently the Treasury Department issues new guidelines for Short Sales with the intent to streamline and give more stability to the short sale process. With Short Sales and Foreclosures continuing through 2010 we are glad to see some effort put toward the tedious and time-delayed process of a Short Sale. See more details at http://steveharneyblog.com/short-sales/.

ERA Franchise Systems New Vice President of Marketing

era — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:03 +0000

ERA Franchise Systems New Vice President of Marketing

Charlie Young, President and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems just announced Anne Blumenstein as the new Vice President of Marketing for ERA Franchise systems.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Blumenstein to the position of vice president of the Marketing group, which is responsible for advertising, packaging and communicating the value proposition of ERA Real Estate to our customers and consumers. She will work closely with the vice presidents of Broker Services, Business Development and Operations as a part of our Senior Leadership Team and will report directly to me.”

Blumenstein has extensive experience managing marketing efforts including integrated franchise campaigns and implementation of brand campaigns for new franchise markets. She comes to ERA Real Estate from CKE Restaurants, Inc., a leading fast-food operator and franchisor, where she worked as vice president of field marketing and media for the Carl’s Jr. division. While there, she successfully managed multiple marketing segments including media, strategic initiatives, new product launches and field marketing. Prior to that, Anne worked as director of regional marketing for the Jack in the Box restaurant chain. There, she supervised marketing efforts across 28 markets, growing franchise community, plotting new market entry and implementing new revenue generating programs. She has also worked in marketing functions at Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, Inc.

Blumenstein is a graduate of Humboldt State University in California and has her M.B.A. degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

“It is a credit to the vision, strength and unique culture of the ERA brand to have attracted such a capable and creative leader to help drive our brand recognition in the marketplace, and I believe that Anne will drive tremendous value to the ERA network”, stated Young.

H. Thayne Houston
Broker
ERA Brokers Consolidated

How Green You Are You?

era — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:00:13 +0000

How Green Are You? - TEST HOW GREEN YOU ARE BECOMING WITH A FEW SIMPLE REFLECTIONS
Over the past three weeks, this column has reviewed three different lists of features considered to be within the framework of becoming Green. They were grouped according to Low-Cost, Medium-Cost, and High-Cost of installation. It is interesting to listen to conversation and watch the behavior of individuals who are enthusiasts of becoming energy savers and protectors of the environment, which after all, is the essence of becoming Green.
By asking a few questions, one can get a little insight about leanings toward becoming Green. My close colleague, Jim Hogan with the Hogan School of Real Estate in Tucson, Az., has posed some questions that touch on a few topics that fall within the discussion of being Green, but the follow-on points provide some evaluative basis for one’s position. Think about these as starters :
1.     Do I find myself going around turning off lights in my home? If the answer is yes, then consider the reasons behind the answer, such as: Is it because my electric bill is too high? Or, is it because I hate our dependence on foreign oil? Or, is it because I want to set an example for my kids? Or, is it because I think everybody should be doing Green things?
2.      Have I considered installing solar panels on my home? Some reasons may be: It would give me a good rate of return. Or, because it is the right thing to do. Or, it will reduce air pollution. Or, because my neighbors recommended it.
3.     Am I into recycling? If so, which of the following may be my motivation? Because I can get money for aluminum cans. Or, even though it takes time and effort, it’s still worth it. Or, because we are running out of landfills. Or, because I am active in my neighborhood association.
4.     How do I feel about carpooling? It’s a great way to save money. Or, it’s something that everyone ought to be required to do. Or, it’s an important way to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. Or, it is a good way to get into the HOV lane.
As one evaluates these items, and many others of similar effect and consequence, one can tune in to the movement that is taking place throughout the land with the encouragement to Go or Be Green. One’s response is going to reflect economic well-being, background and experience frame of reference, as well as one’s personal cultural orientation.
It is important to remember that while there are many flag bearers and voices whispering to an associate or shouting with amplifiers to the masses, there is one central theme that runs through the heart of all the Green programs: Will the effort result in energy efficiency and environmental preservation.

Green tip of the Week:

Use leaves, shrub and tree trimmings and grass clippings as mulch and ground cover.
St. George REALTOR® Jim Coleman is Associate Broker and Partner/Owner of ERA Brokers Consolidated. He Specializes in Residential, Investment and Commercial Real Estate, holding National Designations and Certifications of Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and NAR’s new Green designation. He was just notified that he will be recipient next week in San Diego at the NAR Convention of the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. You can contact him by e-mail at Jim@JimColeman4Homes.com. This and other columns are available at www.WinningTalk.com/articles.

Jim Coleman, ABR, ABRM, CIPS, CRS, GRI, DREI, e-PRO, Green, GRI, RECS, RSPS, SRES
“YOUR REAL ESTATE IS MY BUSINESS”
Partner/Owner and Associate Broker
ERA Brokers Consolidated
201 East St. George Blvd.
St George, Utah 84770
www.relorep.com

$8,000 Tax Credit Extension

era — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:16:58 +0000

$8,000 Tax Credit Extension

The House and the Senate have approved the extension of the $8,000 tax credit and expanded it to include a credit of $6500 for buyers who have lived in their home for the last 5 years. They also increased the income limits for the program to $225,000 for a married couple. Check out the full details of the program from the Wall Street Journal click here http://tinyurl.com/yhb69tb

Here at ERA Brokers Consolidated, we have over 1,000 homes for under $1,000/mo. Hundreds of great homes at under $1500/mo. Call one of our knowledgeable real estate professionals today to help you find yours!

H. Thayne Houston
Broker
ERA Brokers Consolidated
201 East St. George Blvd.
St. George, Utah 84770
Cell (435) 680-1606
Office (435) 628-1606
Toll Free (800) 372-2765
Fax (435) 628-3270
www.erabrokers.com

Free Loan Preapproval ERA Mortgage (435) 640-0364
Free Foreclosure List www.erabrokers.com
Career with nationally recognized company, ERA Brokers Consolidated,
with exceptional income opportunities, professional achievement, and Team support!

ERA Hosts Corporate Visitors

era — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:51:03 +0000

ERA Hosts Corporate Visitors

St. George, UT 10/22/09 - Local real estate leader ERA Brokers Consolidated was pleased to host several corporate visitors from ERA Franchise Systems over the past couple of weeks. Last week Charlie Faure, ERA Field Services Representative, and Christy Torian, newly appointed Business Consultant, visited the ERA Brokers office on St. George Blvd. The focus of their visit was to introduce Torian to H. Thayne Houston, Principal Broker, and to establish and implement a business plan for ERA Brokers for 2010. They also reviewed the vast array of ERA products and services that are available to clients as well as ERA Agents, and discussed ways to promote the ERA “difference” to the public and to other Agents in the community. Before leaving the office Christy commented, “I can see why ERA Brokers Consolidated is the #1 office in the State; you have a beautiful office, a friendly, professional staff and a group of educated agents who love what they do!”

Another corporate guest was Bill Mims, from the Merger and Acquisitions Dept. of ERA Franchise Systems. The purpose of his visit was to discuss opportunities to merge other local brokerages into ERA Brokers. “This has been very successful way for us to grow our business in the past”, said Houston, “in fact, back in 1982, 5 of the leading local brokerages merged to form ERA Brokers Consolidated. That consolidation is where our Company name originated. Since that time, we have merged 7 other companies into ours. We continue to look for great people to associate with.”

ERA Brokers Consolidated is proud to have served the Real Estate needs of the residents of the area for the past 27 years. They are a top 25 brokerage in the ERA Franchise System and the number 1 ERA Office in the State of Utah, in both size and production. Boasting a sales force of more than100 Real Estate Professionals, ERA Brokers Consolidated is a “Full Service” Brokerage, with 6 office locations:

St. George, Hurricane, Panguitch, Beaver, Richfield and Mesquite, NV. In addition to residential resale and new construction, they offer Mortgage Services, Home Warranty Plans, the ERA Guaranteed Sale Plan, and Property Management Services. To take advantage of the award winning programs and services provided by ERA Brokers Consolidated, call 435-628-1606 or visit them on the web at www.ERABrokers.com.

$8,000 Tax Credit Ends Nov 30th!

era — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:02:53 +0000

One of the greatest opportunities for first-time home buyers is coming to a close. The opportunities in the market today which are unparalleled in history may soon come to an end. The best homes prices coupled with extremely low interest rates and buyer incentives have truly offered the best housing opportunity in measured history of the housing market. Many first-time buyers are moving at a frenzied pace to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit the purchase must close by November 30th.

$4000 for Your New Home!

era — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:42:39 +0000

The State of Utah is offering a Home Run 2 Grant, a $4000 assistance to home buyers that want a new home constructed, finish a partially-constructed home, or want to purchase a newly-constructed home. The home must be the primary residence of the home buyer. Previously occupied homes do not qualify.

To learn more about the grant and to see how many are available click follow this link: http://b2b.utahhousingcorp.org/cgi-bin/R?P=uhc_home.html

or go to http://www.utahhousingcorp.org

To search our database for your next home please click here.

Green Tip of The Week

era — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:29 +0000

*Consider shade cover for air-conditioning units but do not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

GREEN BUILD – KEY TOPICS WITH HOME BUILDERS

It was my pleasure this week to address members of SUHBA, Southern Utah Home Builders Association, on the topic of Green Building. The presentation included information to help understand the definition of “Green” and the challenges Builders and REALTORS® face in working with consumers. The following are some of the fundamental points given.

At the outset, there are a couple of fundamental questions: “What is Green?” and “Who cares?” A definition of Green has to do with Energy efficiency and environment-friendly practices - earth friendly - to lessen environmental impact from society. There are established standards and regulations for certification of that which is Green relative to Green Building. To immediately follow is one of the first challenges that needs to be addressed and that is, what is “Greenwashing”? Most people relate to whitewashing. Greenwashing has similar characteristics: “Making green claims without a verifiable positive effect to the environment; falsely promoting or exaggerating the greenness of a product or service.”

Green Building has to do with environmental design, big and small features, and identification of what they are. Green Building has a triple bottom line effect: Economic profit, social benefit, and decreased environmental impact. A green building is an environmentally sustainable building, designed, constructed and operated to minimize the total environmental impacts.

Green is the new Gold. Green Building dictates harmonizing interactions between the built and natural environment; it incorporates regard for fresh air, natural light and vegetation; it considers energy efficiency-not just the building systems but the materials used; it works with the objective of smarter, cleaner, healthier buildings.

THE CHALLENGES

Specific challenges that have to be addressed in the immediate future by consumers and professionals alike include the following: 1. Identifying level of acceptance of the concept of Green–an assessment by both consumer and professional of whether or not one thinks it is a fad that will soon fade, or is it here to stay. 2. Assessing the delicate balance of new-build product and buyers and sellers of existing homes, and 3. Evaluating and adapting service systems to be useful tools for the various trades within the related building and sales professions that make sense to the practitioners and the consumers. This includes adjusting and fine-tuning the search fields and various platforms where property data and features are stored and presented for private and public review and consumption. Reporting capabilities are important along with the research and search options.

In the final analysis, quick judgment says that the degree and the speed of the promotion and development of this whole new world will be influenced, in fact dictated, by the consumer. And the consumer will move based on personal motives and abilities as permitted by economic factors.

CONTACT

Jim Coleman is Associate Broker and Partner/Owner of ERA Brokers Consolidated. He Specializes in Residential, Investment and Commercial Real Estate, holding National Designations of Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and has been awarded NAR’s new Green designation.

You can contact him by e-mail at Jim@JimColeman4Homes.com. Call: (435) 674-0600; or write: Jim Coleman, 201 East St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah 84770. This and other columns are available at www.RealtorJimC.com/articles.

Jim Coleman, ABR/M, ASR, CRS, GRI, DREI, e-PRO, Green, GRI, RECS, RSPS, SRES
“YOUR REAL ESTATE IS MY BUSINESS”
Partner/Owner and Associate Broker
ERA Brokers Consolidated
201 East St. George Blvd.

Local ERA Broker Honored at Conference in New Jersey

era — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:34:48 +0000

H. Thayne Houston, local ERA real estate broker, was recently recognized as one of the Top One Hundred ERA® brokers by global real estate company, ERA Franchise Systems LLC. As a top broker, Houston was invited to attend the annual ERA President’s Circle Business Conference held July 26-28 in Florham Park, N.J.

Houston represented ERA Brokers at the ERA President’s Circle Business Conference, a meeting of some of the country’s most successful real estate brokers. This year’s conference focused on getting back to business basics and ways to increase success in any market. Throughout the two-day event, brokers shared strategies about new marketing initiatives and more efficient ways to work. They also participated in round-table discussions and question-and-answer sessions with keynote speaker, Steve Murray of REAL Trends, among others.

“The ERA President’s Circle conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for our top brokers to re-energize and network with peers from all over the country,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer, ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “Thayne is one of our top brokers, and his recognition is a reflection of the value that ERA Brokers Consolidated brings to homebuyers and sellers in St. George.”

The President’s Circle Business Conference is an exclusive event for the Top 200 brokers in the ERA network.

ERA Brokers Consolidated is proud to have served the Real Estate needs of the residents of the area for the past 26 years. They are a top 15 Brokerage in the ERA Franchise System and the number 1 ERA Office in the State of Utah, in both size and production. Boasting a sales force of 100+ Real Estate Professionals, ERA Brokers Consolidated is your “Full Service” Brokerage, with 6 office locations located in St. George, Hurricane, Panguitch, Beaver, Richfield and Mesquite, NV. In addition to residential resale and new construction, they offer Mortgage Services, a Guaranteed Sale Plan, and Property Management Services. To take advantage of the award winning programs and services provided by ERA Brokers Consolidated, call 435-628-1606 or visit them on the web at www.ERABrokers.com.